Pollock on course for Test recovery

Shaun Pollock is set to take his place in the final Test against New Zealand at Johannesburg, after recovering well from the back injury that forced him out of the second match at Cape Town.

"Shaun is making good strides towards his recovery and I don't foresee any further problems," said the team physio, Shane Jabaar, after Pollock bowled six overs in the nets without any sign of discomfort.

A decision on whether or not to include Pollock will still be left as late as possible, after he pulled out at the very last minute from the drawn second Test. South Africa need only a draw to win the series, and Haroon Lorgat, the convener of selectors, will have to choose between Pollock and Andre Nel, the man who replaced him at Newlands.

Nicky Boje, who injured his right hand during the second Test, is also on course to retain his place. He received five stitches between his thumb and forefinger after fielding a ball on the third day of the second Test, but yesterday fielded and bowled in practice without experiencing any discomfort.

As a precaution, he wore a bandage while batting in the nets, and Jabaar added: "If selected to start tomorrow, he will be strapped to remove the risk of any further damage."

And a further bit of good news for South Africa is that their captain, Graeme Smith, is expected to resume his duties at first slip, but will remain playing with a splint on the ring finger of his left hand, which he injured during a fielding practice before the final match of the Australia series in Johannesburg last month.